Game 2 Wild vs Avalanche Prediction, Player Props & Best Bets (May 5)
By Michael Harrison in NHL Hockey
Published:
- The Wild battle the Avalanche in Game 2 of their second round series Tuesday, May 5th
- Game 1 was a wild affair that saw a combined 15 goals scored in a 9-6 Colorado victory
- Keep reading for my prediction for Game 2, along with a player prop to wager on
After an absolutely crazy Game 1 saw the Colorado Avalanche emerge victorious 9-6 against the Minnesota Wild, the encore is set for Tuesday night. The NHL odds have installed the Avs as home favorites yet again, following a see-saw battle Sunday.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET at Ball Arena. Colorado sports the second shortest odds to win in the Stanley Cup odds at +195, while Minnesota is +1600 as the sixth choice. Coverage is on ESPN in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada. Keep reading for my prediction and favorite player prop for tonight’s tilt.
Wild vs Avalanche Best Bets & Predictions
Avalanche Moneyline (-192 at FanDuel)
Colorado has been an unstoppable force, winning its last eight contests, including all five in the postseason. Game 1 was a truly wild (no pun intended) affair that saw Colorado go up 3-0, then Minnesota stormed back to take a 5-4 lead, before the Avs took control.
In the playoffs, Colorado has completely controlled the pace of play. Through five playoff games, they are outscoring opponents 22-11, averaging a blistering 4.4 goals per contest while suffocating offenses to the tune of just 2.2 goals against. Against a Wild squad that has allowed 3.14 goals per game over seven playoff outings, Colorado’s momentum on both ends of the ice is simply too strong to fade.
Over 6.5 Total Goals (+100 at FanDuel)
If the series opener was any indication, bettors should expect goals aplenty in this one after Game 1 featured 15 snipes. Situational trends heavily favor a high-scoring script, particularly from Minnesota’s side: the Over has hit in four of the Wild’s last five games on the road as an underdog, and in 13 of their last 20 road games overall.
Both teams are executing their scoring chances at an elite level. The Avalanche and Wild are operating with identical 13.3% shooting percentages in the playoffs. Given the sheer volume of offense both rosters are generating in the high-danger areas, clearing the 6.5 goal total is a play I’m confident in.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Scorer (-115 at DraftKings)
For the prop market, backing Nathan MacKinnon to find the back of the net is screaming at me. He’s racked up goals in eight of his last eleven affairs vs the Wild, including four of five meetings this season.
He has three goals in the last two duels, and led the NHL in regular season goals with 53, snagging the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals on the campaign.
Wild vs Avalanche Game 2 Odds
Odds as of Tuesday, May 5th. Claim the bet365 bonus code to bet on the Wild vs Avalanche.
SPORTSBOOK
Starting Goalie Matchup & Stats Comparison
Scott Wedgewood has been a stabilizing force for the Avalanche, boasting a flawless 5-0-0 record, his shaky Game 1 notwithstanding. He’s posted an impressive .920 save percentage and a stingy 2.15 goals-against average.
As for Minny, Jesper Wallstedt has been subjected to a much heavier workload behind a vulnerable Minnesota defense. Over his seven playoff appearances, he’s stared down a massive 227 shots, surrendering 22 goals in the process. While his .903 save percentage is respectable given the sheer volume of rubber he’s faced, his 2.81 goals-against average leaves the Wild with very little margin for error.
Projected Lineups & Defensive Pairings
Avalanche Projected Lineup
Forwards
Defense & Goaltending
- Starting Goaltender: Scott Wedgewood
- Backup: Mackenzie Blackwood
Wild Projected Lineup
Forwards
Defense & Goaltending
- Starting Goaltender: Jesper Wallstedt
- Backup: Filip Gustavsson
Injury Report & Status Updates
Avalanche Injuries
- Josh Manson, D (Upper-Body) – Day-to-Day
- Joel Kiviranta, LW (Undisclosed) – Day-to-Day
Wild Injuries
- Joel Eriksson Ek, C (Lower-Body) – Day-to-Day
- Jonas Brodin, D (Lower-Body) – Out
MIN vs COL Game Information
- Matchup: Wild (Away) vs Avalanche (Home)
- Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- TV: ESPN in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada
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Sports & Entertainment Writer
Michael "Hound Dog" Harrison is well known in the sports industry as the resident statistician for the SC with Jay Onrait Show. He has worked at TSN for over 20 years, is the CEO of his "All Bets Par Off" weekly golf betting videos and his HDOG POD, along with several others.

